. >> i served with jack kennedy. jack kennedy was a friend of mine. senator, you're no jack kennedy. >> that was really uncalled for, senator. >> you call that trickle down, i call it niagra falls. >> senator dole, mr. kent would put the american economy in a barrel and send it over the falls. >> i can see my wife. and i think she's thinking i wish you would go out into the private sector. >> i'm going to try to help you do that. >> with all due respect in your plan barack obama's offered a clear plan. >> your plan is a white flag of surrender. >>> happening now, countdown to tonight's vice presidential debate. we're covering it like no other network. first, a cnn exclusive. paul ryan tells us about his preparations to go head-to-head with vice president joe biden. standby. also behind the scenes photos and new details from vice president biden's practice sessions. and new polls from the swing states are coming in. they show why tonight's debate is more crucial than ever for both men at the top of the ticket. i'm wolf blitzer. you're in "the situation